"So much the better, so much the better." The Emperor nodded again, his gaze drifting beyond the great hall as though he were looking upon something illusory and intangible.
"I have always regretted what happened to the Crown Prince back then..." After a long while, the Emperor spoke slowly, his voice carrying remorse, along with the weakness of fading strength.
"...Now, I have returned what should have been his to the Imperial Grandson. My heart finally feels a little easier."
Qian Wei knew very well that the "him" the Emperor spoke of was the Crown Prince.
Had this been in the past, Qian Wei would not have wished to hear it. After all, he knew everything about the Crown Prince's affairs.
But now, with a glance, he saw that the Emperor had grown thinner still. His face was lined with wrinkles, making him look haggard and frail. The Imperial Grandson had already been formally established. At such an important and unusual moment, it was only natural for His Majesty to think of those old events and seek someone to confide in.
Just as the Emperor had said, almost all those who could listen to such words were gone. And even if some remained, they were not suitable people to hear them.
Qian Wei truly was the most suitable choice.
"...Perhaps all I seek by doing this is peace of mind. I also hope to choose a wise ruler for Great Zheng. But I wonder—having chosen this Imperial Grandson, will I still be able to face the Founding Ancestor in peace?"
Those were weighty words. As the Emperor spoke, a spot in the dim palace hall suddenly lit up.
Qian Wei was old, but not only did he lack presbyopia, his eyes were especially sharp and keen.
Even from such a